Boy, 3, expected to recover after struck by SUV driver who dropped cellphone

OAKLAND -- A 3-year-old boy struck Thursday evening in East Oakland by an SUV driven by a woman who was picking up her dropped cellphone is expected to recover from his injuries, police said Friday.

Neither the boy's name or that of the 28-year-old driver were released by police. They both live in Oakland.

The incident happened about 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and 28th Avenue.

Police said the woman, whose license is suspended, told officers she was driving her Honda SUV eastbound on Foothill and was making a turn onto 28th Avenue when she dropped her cellphone that was playing music. She told police she was picking it up from the floorboard when she felt a bump.

She was told by witnesses she had struck the child.

It has not been determined if the boy was in a crosswalk or ran out in front of the SUV. The boy was taken to a hospital with head and other injuries but is expected to recover, police said. His condition was not released.

The woman stayed at the scene and was questioned and released by police.

The incident remains under investigation. Witnesses are asked to call traffic investigators at 510-777-8720.